Angostura bitters offer a captivating array of flavors that can elevate your cocktail experience. It’s a must-have in any home bar or cocktail party, but what if you don’t have Angostura bitters ready?
Let me share my tried-and-tested substitutes for Angostura bitters, which can deliver similar taste, depth, and complexity to satisfy your taste buds.
Top 15 Substitute For Angostura Bitters
15. Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
Average Price: approx. $10/1oz
Alcohol Content: 38% ABV
Why We Like It: We use Bittercube Aromatic Bitters as one of the best substitutes for Angostura bitters.
We like the enticing essence of cherry bark and the rich warmth of vanilla, adding a delightful complexity and sweetness to classic cocktail recipes like a Manhattan cocktail.
Read: Top Orange Bitters Substitutes
14. Strongwater Golden – Old Fashioned Aromatic Craft Cocktail Bitters
Average Price: approx. $20/3oz
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Strongwater Golden is an exquisite creation of aromatic craft bitters, transforming an Old Fashioned cocktail into a complex blend.
“Unlocking a world of taste, the perfect bitters’ alternative awaits.” – Liquor Laboratory
These bitters impart a golden touch of sophistication, adding depth, complexity, and a blend of flavors to your favorite classic cocktail mixes.
13. Bob’s Bitters Chocolate Bitters
Average Price: approx. $22/200ml
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: This quickly-infused bitters provides an infusion of rich chocolate flavors. Like Angostura Aromatic bitters, we like the velvety smoothness and the balance of sweetness and bitterness.
On our taste test, the noticeable flavor of chocolate opens an exquisite taste profile, elevating cocktail creations to new heights.
12. Dashfire Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $16.49/3.4oz
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Crafted with intricate aromatic botanicals, Dashfire boasts a distinctive and complex flavor – designed to enhance an array of cocktails, specifically Old Fashioned.
If you want complexity and depth, we suggest Dashfire’s Aromatic Bitters to improve your favorite cocktail’s overall taste.
Read: Top Bitters Substitutes
11. Campari
Average Price: approx. $34.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 48% ABV
Why We Like It: Campari exudes a fusion of various herbs and spices – with notable ingredients including bitter orange, rhubarb, and quinine.
We like its pronounced and similar flavor profile to Angostura bitters, striking a balance between bitterness and sweetness.
10. Bittercube Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $28/10oz
Alcohol Content: 48% ABV
Why We Like It: Bittercube Aromatic bitters are an excellent choice, particularly as a good substitute for Angostura Bitters, thanks to their diverse flavors.
9. Bitter End Mexican Mole Bitters
Average Price: approx. $39/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: One of the best substitutes for Angostura for sweeter cocktails is the Bitter End Mexican Mole Bitters. It has a unique twist with traditional Mexican mole’s rich and complex flavors.
Hints of chocolate, smoky chilies, and warm spices add sweetness, creating a memorable drinking experience. It’s not overly sweet, so it’s an ideal substitute to replace Angostura bitters.
8. Dashfire Vintage Orange No. 1 Bitters
Average Price: approx. $17.59/50ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Another one of the best substitutes for Angostura bitters is Dashfire Vintage Orange No. 1. It brings timeless elegance to cocktails like Pisco Sour.
These bitters showcase the vibrant essence of tropical oranges with a perfect balance of citrus and orange peel brightness, plus subtle herbal undertones.
7. Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $12/5oz
Alcohol Content: 17.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Fee Brothers Bitters provides a distinctive aromatic blend due to its angostura bark component blended with an array of spices and citrus oils.
“He took a large tablet of beet sugar and soaked it in Angostura Bitters, and then rolled it in Cayenne pepper. This he put into a large glass which he filled up with champagne. The excellence of this drink defies description. – Evelyn Waugh, Author
Fee Brothers Bitters impart a flavorful touch to classic cocktails like Pisco Sour and other sour cocktails. It shows the exceptional artistry of Fee Brothers in every sip.
6. Embitterment Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $11.99/100ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: If you like a bittersweet flavor, try Embitterment Aromatic Bitters. It boasts a blend of herbs and spices, giving a complex and well-rounded flavor profile.
We like the hints of botanicals and a touch of bitterness, making it one of the best substitutes for Angostura bitters.
Read: Angostura vs Peychaud Bitters
5. Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Average Price: approx. $19/5oz
Alcohol Content: 53% ABV
Why We Like It: Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters beautifully blends the richness of chocolate with botanicals and spice mix.
With notes of cocoa, cinnamon, and subtle heat, these bitters add depth, complexity, and a touch of exotic flair to cocktails.
4. Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
Average Price: approx. $10.99/2oz
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Substituting Angostura bitters with Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry, gentian-based bitters, will give you the sweetness of cherry and spice undertones.
It perfectly suits a range of bourbon or whiskey cocktails, like Whiskey Sour [1]. These bitters have undergone the same process as barrel-aged spirits (or wood-aged spirits) with the natural flavors of gentian root.
3. The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $19.99/200ml
Alcohol Content: 39% ABV
Why We Like It: When finding alternatives for Angostura Bitters, we consider The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters due to their comparable taste and flavor profile, among other bitters.
Compared to Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters, we like the delightful mix of cloves, cardamom, and anise in The Bitter Truth Bitters.
2. Absinthe
Average Price: around $48/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45-74% ABV
Why We Like It: One substitute for Angostura is Absinthe if you want a spicy flavor. It imparts a sweet anise flavor with hints of licorice and a spicy taste.
Absinthe can be a favorable counterpart if you appreciate the combination of sweetness and spicy notes. You can also try Fernet Branca [2] or Amaro [3].
1. Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters
Average Price: approx. $7.69/5oz
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Peychaud’s Bitters brings delight to the palate. It doesn’t have an intense bitter flavor but gives a sweet profile.
The exquisite aroma of Peychaud’s Bitters plays a crucial role in the Sazerac Cocktail while lending its unique flavor to other drink recipes, like the Manhattan and The Old-Fashioned.
Note: Other Angostura bitters alternatives to explore: Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters, Angostura Orange Bitters, Blackstrap Bitters, and Fernet Branca.
**Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary per liquor store.
FAQs
What is a non-alcoholic Angostura bitters substitute?
The non-alcoholic substitute for Angostura bitters is a mix of whole spices. You can make your own aromatic bitters or orange bitters. The acquired taste is almost similar to Angostura bitters’ taste.
How do you make Old Fashioned without Angostura?
You can make Old Fashioned without Angostura bitters by combining simple syrup, bourbon, and your chosen Angostura bitters in your cocktail shaker.
Stir, pour into your cocktail glass, and top it with club soda and orange peel/orange bitter. We recommend using Peychaud’s bitters or your own bitters.
Are there non-alcoholic alternatives to Angostura bitters?
Yes, there are non-alcoholic bitters available that can serve as substitutes for Angostura bitters. These may include products like Fee Brothers Aromatic Cocktail Bitters or Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters, which offer similar flavor profiles without the alcohol content.
Can I use citrus bitters as a substitute for Angostura bitters?
While citrus bitters, such as orange or grapefruit bitters, can add complexity to a cocktail, they have a different flavor profile compared to Angostura bitters. Citrus bitters may complement certain drinks but might not provide the same depth and spiciness that Angostura bitters offer.
Can I make a homemade substitute for Angostura bitters?
Yes, you can attempt to make a homemade substitute for Angostura bitters by infusing spices and herbs into a neutral spirit or creating a syrup with similar flavor components. However, achieving an exact replication of Angostura bitters’ complex flavor may be challenging.
What cocktails can I make with substitutes for Angostura bitters?
Cocktails such as Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or various whiskey-based drinks that typically call for Angostura bitters can be made with suitable substitutes. Experimenting with different bitters can offer unique twists on classic cocktails.
How can I adjust the flavor of my cocktail when using a substitute for Angostura bitters?
When using a substitute for Angostura bitters, consider adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired flavor balance. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired taste.
In A Nutshell
There are lots of Angostura bitters substitutes, but our favorite is Peychaud’s Bitters. It has the right flavor, character, and complexity – the closely guarded secret of Angostura bitters [4].
But depending on your flavor preference, you can experiment with other options like Absinthe, Campari, Bitters Club Aromatic Bitters, orange bitters, Dashfire Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters, and more.
References:
- https://www.ibtimes.com/national-whiskey-sour-day-quotes-interesting-facts-about-popular-cocktail-3280817
- https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/ten-fascinating-facts-about-fernet-branca-we-learned-during-its-storied-sips-book-tour/
- https://www.ft.com/content/caf97603-51ba-4b5e-8cb2-2cae95d89787
- https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/a26029957/what-are-angostura-bitters/
